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„.^^^-0F THE>> 



Volunteer Cavalry. 



IpT beini,^ suggested that a History of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry 
*^ be written, the honor was conferred upon me. Not being a historian or 
even a letter writer, I feel myself entirely incompetent to do justice to the 
Regiment that has done so much good service. In writing a historical ac- 
count of the orginizntion of this Regiment, I shall have to rely almost exclu- 
sively on memory, owing to the fact that all the Regiment's notes and papers 
have been captured, as will be seen before concluding this narrative. 

The Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was recruited on an order emanat- 
ing from the War Department, that Gov. Todd, of Ohio, would raise one 
Regiment of Cavalry, for " Border Service," the Ohio River then being the 
boundary. 

The organization of this Regiment was commenced and the duty of the 
organization was conferred on Major Malcolm McDowell, Paymaster U. S. A., 
and I may add here, that there is no visitor more welcome at the camp of the 
Seventh O. V. C, thaa the gallant old grandfather of the Reg't, as he is styled 
here. The counties ordered to raise Companies were as follows: Hamilton, 
three, Clermont, one; Brown, one; Adams, one; Scioto, one; Lavrence, ^ 
one; Gallia, one; Meigs, one; Washington, one; Monroe, one. «^ Lawrence 
and Monroe failing to raise the companies, their places were supplied by 
raising two in Gallia and one in Athens. x\s soon as recruiting was fairly 
under way, Major McDowsU was retired and resumed his orignal duties as 
Paymaster. 

Recruiting was very lively, and the Companies were all filled by the first 
week in September, and the Rejiiment was then organized as follows: 



-^' #s 



Colonel, Israel Garrard; Lieut. Colonel George G Minor; Majors, 

Wm L Raney, Norton, and James Mclntire; Adjutant, T. F. Allen , 

Q M^' W M R. Jackson; C. S., John McColgin; Surgeon, Isaac Tram ; 
Aqqt Surgeons TuUis and ■ Barrett. ^ ^^ r. r^ a/t ' 

NonCom , F.eld and S.aff.-S. M., B. P. Stacy ; Q. M. S G=o- M- 
RossVc S , B. F. Powers; H. S., James Saffron ; Saddler, Serg>t AlbertG. 

^'"'Cap,ains-Wm. A. Simpson, A. S.Brownfield, Warren, Campbell, 
SolomoL L. Green, Lindsey, Ashburn, Fl.gley, Wm. Lewis, R. C. Rankin, 

■^^'vlrslS.e^nir-A.Hall. San.emire, Sayers, Moore W. D. Ke.rer- 

John V. Srofe, O. H. Eyler, Trago, Smith, Chase, Wambleclort and 

^'""The Companies rendezvoused in the counties in which *ey wf^^^^^^^^^ 
and received millitary instruction trom their respective Commanders tor se^ 

"'' Tnte meantime, Co. E, Capt. R.. C. Rankin's C^^-^V^-y;^;^f^f f„^ 
T^inle^v Ohio rendered valuable service to the city of MaysMlle K> in 
Sding he^ ag^nst John Morgan's command, and on the night of Septenv 
acienaing uci S J » . ^ marched to Brookville, Ky., a 

dl\ant'of .wen remles?'rd participated in the attack and the driving 
frmn the nhce ihe rebels under Basil Duke, who was engaged in paroaig 
[rcit*:nlt;ried away by him from Augisja w.,ich f^ace he ha captmed 

:?rre^c^i:^SrKi,^^^^^^ 

'"I T -n^ «aS iTikl'-dirnoflt'r rpon^he' order'o^f '^ going, btft 

l^st .went " Cs miy be recorded as the first blood the Seventh saw ,„ 

''""Ripley being connected with a large portion of Kentucky by tumpite 
roads was^elecred as the place .or the Regiment to «"de-ous and -ce - 

"'"'?;;'e=first%S:;"reached Ripley about the rst °f October and on the 
,5th of October, this Battallion and twenty^five men of Co^ L, t-nde' ^o 
mand of Capt. R. C. Rankin, all being "^e. Lt C<^ M nor^^cros 
Ohio River and made a scout to Fahntml. , ^i^'^^^^^^"^ '",,6 third dav, 

S-fi:n?i;S^;iedt^^atS;r>^ti^^ 

advance. , , . , ,,♦. tu,^ ret of November, and took 

fen;essrbV?.e::?^:^=^^^^ 



„f r-,r,,r', Stition and the bridtre across the Watauga River at ZoUicofTer, 
Tenn retut'lng to Kentucky, wi^h the loss of one man killed and a few lost 

as nrisoners after an absence of three weeks. 

"' Four companies broke camp and crossed tl;%--^^^^^!^^j^f ',eih- 
on the 2ist of December, and took up their march for Danville, Ky., leach 
;n(r thpi-e on the 2Ath, Lt. Colonel commanding. 

^ In ol^d ence to orders of Gen. Baird, commanding at Danville Com- 
pany E Cap Rankin jn command, was ordered to H-rodsburgh for the 
nnroose of sending scouting parties on the different roads leading liom that 
n ace and renS much valuable service to Gen. Baird by keeping him 
^c'edTs to the movements of John Morgan, who had invaded the State and 

"" Xytlri^:^^r^::^ny prisoners, with their equipments^ The nun. 
ber JpuLd during their stay, 'would more than equal the entire command 

'^^'^:l£:t:^m. so ardorous, that Gen. Baird sent Company L, Capt. 

'^'''"The'^border now being on the Kentucky and Salt River hills, the re- 
n^aindero the Regiment, under Col. Garrard, were brought up to join he 
others at Danville,^ Ky.,' reaching there about ^^^ 4th of anuary 1^63 
The whole Regiment, (Co. E excepted, which was st 1 on duty at Har 
rodsburg,) after a few weeks getting together at Danville, moved to Har- 
rodsbr" where it remained until about the latter part of February 

About uS time, the rebel Col. Cluke invaded Eastern Kentucky, and 
the Seventh was ordered out to assist in driving him from the ^tat^; 

On reaching Crab Orchard, the Regiment was ^^^J^^?,; P^'^^,;'"^^"'^^^ 
Col Minor moved by the way of Richmond and Ervm to Hazel Green, and 
S aikirL'h with Ihe enemy at that place, capturing twenty-five prisoners. 
The remainder of the Regiment, under Col. Garrard, went ^° ^t Sterhi g 
by the way of Richmond and Winchester, charging the town ^^^^^ diivmg l^.e 
rebels from it, but not in time, however, to save a portion of 1 fr^ f^^^^^^- 
The place had been surrendered a short time previous, by Col. Rat 
cleffeof the I oth Kentucky Cavalry. , 

- The enemy being hotly pursued on the Owensvdle road, made a stana 
on State Creek, fouf -miles out, but after a sharp engagement were driven 
from their position, with a loss of eight killed. ,.,.,;nr hq mnn- 

About three weeks were occupied ,n traversing this "^^^ X mads in 
trv The rain and saow falling almost contmuously, made the roads in 
places impassable. The Regiment all got together at Le.vington, about the 

''"' '^l^iatelv on the arrival of the regiment at Lexington, an o^er u^s 
issued bv Gen (iilmore, for Capt. Rankin to report with Company E to the 
P ovos' Ma;sh-al of the District.^ Upon d^ng so, the .d"^y;-§S^^f^^-^,,r- 
to make a scout through jessamine, Mercer, V^ood ord ^^^ Anderson cou_ 
ties, and if possible, to arrest and bnng to Lexnigton a ebel C^^^^ Alexan 
der, who hid up to this time bafiled all efforts made for his capture 

The scouting party returned, being successful in the capture ot Col 
Alexander, together with a rebel recruiting officer, met on ^he h^gj-ay ;;>^- 
on being s;arched was found to have on his person a recruiting offic ei s pa 



pers authorizing him to proceed from Beech Grove, Tenn., to the countus 
above mentioned, to recruit for John Morgan's command, stationed at Beech 
Grove; also, taking from the cHffs, bordering on the Kentucky nver, near 
Shakertown,,^a member of John Morgan's command concealed there. 

The day after their return, this Company was sent to Cynthiana anddid 
duty for some weeks with the n8th Ohio, in breaking up recruiting station. 
Col. Mott commanding. 

After having completed this service, Co. E, Capt. Rankin commanding, 
was ordered first to Paris, thence to Carlisle, which place was reached about 
midnight. Being aided by a small party of citizens, he continued his march 
aboutlix miles to a mill on the north-fork of Licking river where he captureci 
a picket-post of sixteen rebel soldiers, and then returned to Pans on the fol- 
lowing day. ■ u c \ ■ u 

In the meantime, the regiment bore a conspicuous part in the hght with 
Pegram's force at Button Hill, and just as our line was beginning to waver, 
a daring charge was made by the Seventh which turned the tide of battle m 
our favor. 

In this fight we captured four hundred prisoners and tour pieces ot ar- 
tillery. 

The enemy fell back in great disorder. Among the trophies captured, 
the Seventh claims three battle flags; one being captured by Lieut. Cope- 
land, who greatly distinguished himself on that occasion for coolness and 

bravery. ' , • u u 

Major Norton also deserves mention for the gallant style in which he 
led his battalion in the charge. Major Mclntire deserves especial mention. 
On one occasion he penetrated the confused mass of rebels, and tound him- 
self fired on from the rear. Turning upon his horse he found he was attack- 
ed by three. The Major drew his revolver and shot one and the other two 

surrendered. . 

Col Garrard could be found at any point along the hne where his pres- 
ence was most needed. This was the first fight the regiment was in as a 

On returning to Lexington, the regiment was paid off and their faces 
were again turned' southward. Reaching Stanford, the> went into camp for 
a few days and then continued their march to Somerset, near the Cumber- 
land river which had now become the border. 

On the evening of the 29th of April, three companies, under Captam 
Green joined two companies of the 2nd Ohio Cav., and one company ot the 
ist Kentucky, all under command of Capt. Carter, ot the ist Ky., crossed 
the Cumberland river at Smith's Ford, and after crossing a mountain, they 
crossed the south fork of the Cumberland, two miles from its junction wiih 
the main stream, now known as Burnside's Point, coming around in the rear 
of the rebel pickets at Stigall's Fefry, thereby capturing the post, one hundred 

and thirty in number. • , 1 » 

After delivering the prisoners to our forces on the opposite bank at 
Stigall's we took the main road to Monticello, and after marching about 
foul miles were attacked by a portion of the enemy's cavalry whom we soon 
drove back, and then continued the march until we reached the farm known 
as Capt West's. Beyond this farm is a gap in the mountain, called Scott's 



(lap. Here the enemy made a st.md and quite a sharp little fight ensued 
which lasted near one hour. 

It now being dusk and the enemy being driven from their position, the 
command went into camp for the night, Company E of the yth, under Capt. 
Rank'n, being left to hoKl the Gap. The next morning, skirmishing between 
t!ie [jickets commenced. The column was soon in motion moving on toward 
.Monticello, with occasional skirmishing on the advance, the enemy gradually 
falling back toward the town; but a charge was made upon them which 
quickly hurled them through the town and over the creek to the top of a hill 
beyond, where they again made a stand. 

In this charge, the first credit of entering the place, all chances being 
equal, is due the Seventh, Company E, under Cape. Rankin, leaping the 
fences, gaining the streets and crossing the creek, and mingled in a hand to 
hand fight with the flying rebels half way up the hill on the other side. The 
Adjutant of the tst Kentucky, gained the head of the column and ordered 
them back to the Monticello side, where the command was formed in line of 
battle. 

This gave the enemy time to reform, also. In this charge, the Seventh 
lost one man killed and three wounded, besides several horses. 

That part of the command which stopped to throw down fences, now 
coming to our assistance, the enemy were soon driven to a point four miles 
beyond, where they got large reinforcements, as well as ourselves and a fight 
was made in which the enemy used considerable artillery. 

In an hour our artillery came up and was put in position and a flank 
movement being made on the enemy's right, they were soon to be found on 
the retreat again. 

In this eng-igcment the rebels lost nine men killed, several wounded 
and twelve prisoners. 

Night coming on, the command retreated to Monticello where it re- 
mained for two days, and then followed the retreating rebels across the 
Tennessee line. 

\ part of .the regiment under Col. Garrard, went to Frazersville, and a 
detachment under Major Mclntyre, went to Albany, capturing some prison- 
ers and returned to Somerset where they remained sometime. 

Nothing of interest occurred except scouting occasionally to Mett's 
Spring' and across the river now and then, takin : in the rebel pickets on the 
opposite !)ank. 

On the 7th day of June, the regiment again crossed the Cumberland 
river and marched to Monticello wdiere it had some fighting. On the 9th, 
when returning, the Seventh, O.- V. C, being the rear guard, was followed 
by the enemy and attacked at West's farm, at which place a severe fight en- 
sued in which the Seventh lost several men in killed and wounded. 

On the morning of the loth, a detachment from the Seventh of 150 
P'cked men and oflicers as follows: Capt. R. C. Rankin, commanding the 
detachment, Capt. Warren. Lts. Carr, Ketterman, Rich, Shuler, and Srofe, 
left Somerset and joined Col. Sanders at Mt. Vernon. A day or two was 
spent in making preparations for a raid. Everything being ready, on the 
morning of the i8th we took up our line of march, crossing the Cumberland 



river at Williamsburg, thence over Jelico mountains to Wartsburg where we 
captured 105 prisoners, they being utterly surprised, having no knowledge 
of our movements until we were upon them. 

We also captured a supply train and destroyed a large amount of ordi- 
nance, Q. M. and C. S. stores. 

This bemg the point from which Gen. Pegram drew his supplies, he be- 
ing stationed at this time on the Cumberland river in front of Gen. Garter's 

forces. 

The prisoners being all paroled, their arms destroyed, we moved on to- 
ward Kingston. 

Considerable skirmishing occurred with the advance, when we made a 
sudden move to the left, crossed the Clinch river and moved out toward 
Lenoir's Station. 

When within one mile of this place, we suddenly came upon a rebel 
camo at daylight capturing their guns, a battery complete. The number of 
prisoners captured there and at the Station were 132. We burned the depot 
which was well filled with munitions of war of every kind and description. 

Here I will relate an incident that took place: As the column moved 
by the Station, owing to the bursting uf shells and the explosion ot powder 
in the burning building, the command was compelled to take the fields to 
avoid danger." Passing a man plowing corn with a fine mule, he said, "that 
IS one of your Yankee tricks, is it ?" Yes, said a soldier with a worn out 
horse, "and I will show you another." _ So dismounting, he put his saddle 1 
on the mule and left him his jaded horse. 

Being now on the Virginia and East Tennessee Railroad, we commenced 
the destruction of it by tearing up the rails, burning all the culverts and 

bridges. .1 • j r 

Reaching Knoxville after night, we moved around to the north side ol 

the city and attacked the place in the morning. 

In this engagement, Capt. Rankin received orders from Col. Sanders to 

send 50 of his men out on our right to skirmish, and to support the artillery 

with the remainder of his command, which was one section of Battery D, 

First Ohio. , 1 -., j 

We fought until 9 o'clock, A. M., capturing 40 prisoners and kuled 9 

rebels, among them a Capt. McGlung. 

Our loss was two killed and a few wounded. 

Then falling back, we struck the radroad east of the place where wet 
again commenced tearing up the track. , „• , , 

We were saluted with the enemy's artillery until noon, shelling the woods 

we had left. , , , • 

Moving on to Strawberry Plains, we destroyed everything as we went 
and reachin^g that place late in the evening, where considerable fighting took 
place, which resulted in our occupying the town, capturing six pieces of ar- 
tillerv and over 100 prisoners, with slight loss to us. 

Here we burned the bridge that spans the Holston river, 1600 feet in 
length, including trestle work, besides the depot and store houses well filled 
with Q. M. and C. S. stores. , , ^ v a^ 

After resting a few hours, we moved out on the road toward New Mar- 



ket and on 



to Mossy Creek, wheie we destroyed a confederate machine shop 
:^dTTar :; -moun ofg^ain, and burn, the bridge over Mossy Creek; ,„ all, 

::^^::^:r:..r f^^:^^^^^^^:tr^ro.,. ... head of 

o„rc''ltrv;VtrnX"hrrd'!c:osJing the Clinch rn-er and n,ovn,g .0- 

ward Cumberland Gap. detachments of the Second 

Qi-irmish na now commenced in o.ir re.ir. mc ucl 



and Seventh being the i-^^^J" guard. mountain h.to PowiU's 

made m the afternoon of the next day infantry, the command 

Fn.d,ng this Gap well gu-ded -th ^ . fj^ ^^^f ^f"*^,^^ l,, ,, fallows: 
halted for a short t.me or consultation ^^^ jesui^ ^^ ^^ 

A stronglineof skirmishers were ° ^^^^^^Vvvleels cut down. The de- 
be put in position ^^^^f;;''^'')^^^:^}^^^^^^ to remain in posi- 
tachment of the Seventh being the rear gard^a^^^^^^^ ,vas made to the 

tion one hour after the column moved, ^^^ j'^^^. ^ suiking the valley again, 

'«t:irstr ar,rc\sroar h^ & 
iijxtrsx^^eisrd"^ 

pedition. . • fmnt beincr clear the com- 

tain on the other side. ^ mountain, the 

When the rear guard had got one-third the \^a.) up 

enemy could be seen moving m two column^^^^^^^ .^^ ^^^.^ 

The infantry and artillery finding that they ^^"^^^^^ j^,l^ ^l^eir 

efforts to capture our command, were coming down the valle>, 

cavalry were feeling their way up the valley. ^^^^ ^^ ^^. 

Our rear guard were placed in a position to recen 
tempt should be made to attack us in the rear. ^^^ 

'as the approaching columns neared each ^^her "_ no^^ be ^ ^ 
each supposing the other to_be the raiding ' ^ anks, at once eng , 

other. ,. , ^^1 „^f hpin '■ interested in this 

Capt. Rankin, commanding the rear guard not be n int res e 

fight, nor earring which gained the day, ^^^ered h. ^^' ^^^^"f ^^_ 
u^ardand foUovred the main column, it having continued it. march ana 

ing now out of sight. , , , ^a r.r.r pven a oath to follow nor 

The night being very dark and no road, not even a pam 



any mounted guide left to guide them, they worked their way over rocks and 
timber in the direction they supposed the cohimii had moved, and became 
scattered. 

And after chmbing around over the rocks, amid the darkness of the 
night, I found myself on the highest peak of the mountain, accompanied by 
one man. I wandered about for some time to see if I could find any trace 
of the column, and found no trace and heard no human voice save the 
tumult at the foot of the mountain. 

Inasmuch, as the author did not join his command until reaching Ijon- 
don, Ky., and nothing of interest occurring except the leaving of three hun- 
dred horses in the mountains by the command, he asks the privilege of nar- 
rating his own adventures after he became separated from the command: 

I struck out in what I supposed a northerly direction and after passing 
over several high ridges and coming to a cliff that had to be descended, and 
not thinking it safe to make the trial at night, we spread our blanket down, 
tied our horses and went to sleep, being very much exhausted; and upon 
waking in the morning found the sun high up and no noise to be heard save 
the singing of the birds and the gnawing of my faithful horse on the trees. 
I at once arose and set out to find some place to make my exit, but finding 
no way to get my horse down this cliff other than southward, I was compell- 
ed to abandon him,, a thing that gave me considerable uneasmess of mind ; 
I hated to part with so valuable a servant that had carried me safely through 
the campaign of '6i, under Gen. Fremont, through Kentucky and Tennessee 
to Corinth, Miss., back to Ohio and through kll the wanderings of the yth O. 
V. C, including this masterly "raid," being yet good in flesh and unbroken 
in spirit; to part with such a friend was no light affair. But with all the hor- 
rors of Libby Prison on one hand and life and liberty on the other, 1 vvas 
not long in making up my mind which course to pursue. 

I stripped my horse of everything and bid him adieu. Taking a strap 
from the saddle, I buckled my olankets together, ran my saber through, 
threw it over my shoulder and began the descent, and upon reaciiing the foot 
found myself m a deep dell, surrounded by high peaks of craggy rocks. The 
timber being undergrown with laurel through which ran a brook of clear 
water. 

After refreshing myself, I followed the course to the stream for about 
two miles which brought me to a stream known as Clear Fork, which I fol- 
lowed for a few miles, coming to a miserable old hut in which lived two old 
people, who had passed their four score years, and in coming up to this hov- 
el I heard considerable talking. 

I sent my companion close to the hut to eaves drop, and finding who 
were its occupants, when he returned he reported "all righf" 

On entering the house I found ten or tweWe of our own soldiers, among 
them a grand son of the occupants of the house. 

The old man was grinding corn on a hand mill, while the old lady was 
baking bread and cakes for the hungry soldiers. I ate a few morsels, and 
during the time I explained to them my situation and where my horse had 
been left. 

The old gentleman gave me some encouragement by. saying he thought 



he could get the horse. I told him he should have fifty dollars upon deliver- 
ing the horse to me, and he at once started in search of him, while I went up 
on the side of the mountain; spread my blanket and went to sleep. 

The old man returned in the evening without the horse. I procured a 
guide and set by a foot-path over the mountains, traveling all night, reaching 
London, Ky. , twenty-four hours in advance of the command. The column 
coming up, we continued our march until reaching Lancaster, on the istday 
of July, being twenty days out. 

The men suffered greatly for want of sleep and from the swelling of their 
limbs, caused by constant riding. 

Li two instances where men fell asleep in the center of the column, 
everything in the rear of them was halted, and they also fell asleep and re- 
mained so an hour or two. 

The regiment during this time was actively engaged in picketing and 
scouting the country along the Cumberland river, and on one or two occa- 
sions went mto Tennessee to divert General Pegram's attention from the 
"raiders." 

About this time, John Morgan invaded the State of Kentucky, on his 
grand raid through Indiana and Ohio. 

The regiment, under its Colonel, joined in the pursuit, following hun to 
the Ohio river at Brandenburg, crossing over into Indiana, and following 
him in his circuitous route through the States of Indiana and Ohio, and par- 
ticipating in the fight at Bufifington's Island, July 20th, 1S63. 

In the meantime the detachment of the 7th that was on the Sander's 
raid, were at Camp Nelson refitting. 

Information being received that two companies of Morgan's command 
which had been recruited in the vicinity of Harrodsburg, Ky. , (numbering 
one hundred and ten men) had been cut off froir. the main command ancl 
were scattered about over the country, staying with their friends, and owing 
to Capt. Rankin's knowledge of that part of the State, he was ordered to take 
wliat men he could arm and equip and proceed there at once. 

Taking twenty-six of his own company, they in a period of ten days, 
captured eighty-four of that number, including tvvo officers. 

Great credit is due to the colored people for the information they 
gave. 

Another detachment of the 7th joined Col. Sweeny's command of de- 
tachments and took part in the fight with Scott's Cavalry at Richmond, Ky., 
July 28th, 1S63, and made a brilliant saber charge -against the same com- 
mand at Crab Orchard, (Capt. Leaper commanding detachment,) skirmish- 
ing with them at Stanford, and following them on their retreat to the Cum- 
berland river, compelling them to drop one section of artillery, said to be the 
same we abandoned in the mountains on the Sander's raid. 

After the capture of John Morgan, the regiment was disbanded for fif- 
teen days and allowed to visit their homes. 

At the expiration of that time, the regiment was got together at Cincin- 
nati and marched to Stanford, Ky., preparatory to their march to* Knoxville, 
Tenn., under Gen. Burnside. 

The regiment broke camp about the 20th day of August, moving by the 



way of Crab Orchard and London, crossing the Cumberland river at Wil- 
liamsburg, about the 25th. 

Here, one batallion of the 7th, under Major Mclntyre, was thrown out 
in front as the advance of Gen. Burnside's command, and held that post of 
honor during the whole march, until they reached the railroad at Lenoir Sta- 
tion. 

A considerable force of the enemy being at London, and some fighting 
going on, the regiment was ordered to that point, and on reaching there 
found the rebels gone and the bridge that spanned the Tennessee river, in 
flames. 

The regiment then counter-marched, reaching Knoxville the next day. 
Resting two days, we took up our line of march for Cumberland Gap, skirm- 
ishmg with the enemy at Taswell and Powell's river, reaching the Gap and 
beseiging that place three days. 

,At the end of that time, September 9th, that stronghold surrendered its 
garrison, consisting of two thousand, six hundred men, under General 
Frazier. 

On the day previous to its surrender, a detail of officers penetrated the 
rebel pickets lines, much to the chagrin of Gen. Frazier, they were taken in 
headquarters, without being hoodwmked; of course they used their eyes and 
saw just what they went to see, the condition of the enemy. 

Gen. Frazier immediately ordered them out of his lines which order was 
complied with. 

That night they returned, not by the picket post however, and burned 
the mill inside the rebel lines, thus cutting off their rations, which may iiave 
had something to do with his sudden surrender. 

They came back to camp unmolested and without the honor of a rebel 
escort. 

On the next morning after the surrender, the 7th started back to Knox- 
ville, and on the third day reached that city and went into camp. Remain- 
ing there only a few days they started eastward on the railroad, but meeting 
with no resistance until reaching Johnson's Station, a distance of one hun- 
dred miles 

The command moved on to ZoUecoffer, and not being able to capture 
the garrison there guarding the bridge across the Watauga river, they returned 
to Jonesboro, remaining there one week, one batallion under Capt. Cope- 
land, doing the provost duty of town scouting and pressing horses. 

The enemy attacked the command on the 28th of September and com- 
pelled it to retreat down the railroad as far as Bull's Gap, where we stayed 
several days. 

On the loth of October, we started eastward again and had a fight at 
Blue Springs, losing several men killed and wounded, among them. Captain 
Higly, a most valuable officer, who was commanding a battallion and was 
killed in the thickest of the fight while encouraging and leading on his men. 

The rebels held their ground until a detachment of the 9th army corps 
came up, charging them and driving them from the field at dusk. 

They retreated during the night, and our command pursued them in 
the morning, following«closely all the next day, and had a sjjirited skirmish at 



Raytown in which several were lost on both sides. Night coming on, we 
went int<j camj), continuing our pursuit in the morning as far as Jonesboro, 
and on the following day we moved toward Bluntsville, camping for the 
night, a few miles from town. 

One battallion under Capt. Copeland, was ordered to make a scout to 
this place, but meeting the rebel pickets, he returned to camp, losing one 
man killed, James Barnes of Co. E. 

The next dav, October the 14th. the column moved on toward the town 
driving the rebels from the place. 

They continued their retreat through Zollecoffer and Bristol. We fol- 
lowed and burnt the bridge at Zollecoffer, on our way and captured at Bris- 
tol two locomotives and fifty cars, which were all destroyed, besides a con- 
siderable amount of commissary store. 

The men carrying away all the sugar they could manage. 

The task being accomplished, the command fell back through Blunts- 
ville and Kingsport to Rogersville, pressing all the horses that could be 
found, and remained there sometime, nothmg particular occurring save the 
usual scouting in an enemy's country. 

About this tune the regiment was deprived of its Colonel, he being 
placed in command of a brigade, and Major Mclntyre succeeded to the com- 
mand. 

About the .\th of November, Gen. Shackelford, commanding the Caval- 
ry Division, received information that a. rebel force. 4000 strong, was ap- 
proaching Rogersville by the way of Jonesville, Va. 

He therefore ordered Col. Garrard to send a scoutirtg party to that 
place. 

A detail of 50 men from the Seventh being made, Capt. Rankin was 
ordered to take command. Before the scouts returned, the enemy made 
their appearance by the way of Kingsport. 

In order that you may fully understand the event which I am about to 
describe, it is necessary that I should describe the country and the locality, 
our camp and its approaches. 

The country here is alternately mountain and valley, running nearly 
parallel east and west, with occasional narrow passes through the mountains 
from one valley to another, these valleys losing themselves every few miles 
in the main valley of the Holston river. 

The brigade of which the Seventh formed a part was camped in the 
main Holston Valley about three miles above Rogersville. 

The hospital, commissary and quartermaster's department, with a pro- 
vost guard, occupied the town. 

Great caution was used by Col. Garrard in guarding these approaches, 
and for this purpose one company of the Tennesseeans was kept in Carter 
Valley, five miles from the brigade camp. This Valley being the first one 
north of the Holston, they sent scouting parties daily, over into Stanley 
Valley and Hickory Cave, which are further north. 

On the night of the 5th of November, scouts reported the enemy ad- 
vancing in force down the Holston Valley from Kingsport. 

Lieut. Murphy was ordered to take two companies of the Seventh, on 



12 



the night of the 6th, which was very dark and the rain pouring down in tor- 
rents, and make a scout up the Holston Valley. 

After marching about six miles he met the enemy's advance and at once 
engaged them, and notified the Colonel ot their approach. 

The enemy finding their advance resisted, threw a force across the 
mountain into Carter Valley, which was estimated at 2000 strong, and upon' 
reaching the valley they dashed upon this Tennessee company capturinc^ and 
scattering them. ^ 

This Valley now being cleared, they continued down it about two miles 
to a road crossing into Holston Valley, which road struck the Valley about 
the center of our brigade camp. 

Here their force was divided, one half going across the mountain, secre- 
ted themselves under the cover of the night in a cedar grove, near the road 
leading down the main vailey to Rogersville. 

The other part of their command continued down the valley to where it 
comes into the Holston, one-half mile above Rogersville, where they again 
divided their force, leaving a part here and sending the remainder around a 
spur of the mountain, strikmg the valley one-half mile below the town. 

They closed in on the place, capturing and scattering everything that 
was there. 

This part of their programme being successfully accomplished, they 
moved up the valley on to the camp. In the meanwhile their main force 
was passuig slowly down the valley, compelling the small force in their front 
to retire, and giving time for the force below to accomplish the task assigned 
them, and attack the camp from that side. 

As they approached the camp, Col. Garrard had the train on the road, 
headed toward Rogersville, and the bregade drawn up in line, artillery 
placed in position on an eminence, commanding the approach from Kin^s- 
port. ^ 

While in this position we were attacked in the rear by the force coming 
up the valley. 

At this instant, the force before mentioned as being secreted in the 
cedar thicket, being in close proximity to our left flank, poured a volley inio 
the battallion of the Seventh, being not more than fifty yards distant, and 
made a simultaneous charge upon the wagon train and capturing it. 

They were seen in the thicket by our battallion, but were supposed to 
be the Tennessee homeguards. 

At the same time a charge was made front and rear. 

Finding the command attacked on three sides, each force equaling our 
own in numbers, there was no alternative but to make our way across the 
Holston river at the nearest ford. 

This being done, the regiment was formed in line on the opposite bank 
of the river, but the Seventh had already lost over 100 men, and the Second 
Tennessee over 500, and both sections of the artillery being captured, the 
command fell back to Morristown, a distance of 30 miles. 

In the meantime, the scouts who were sent out to Jonesville, returned 
to within three miles of camp, and on hearing of the disaster, turned north, 
passing Clinch Mountain, through Little War Gap, coming down Poor Val- 



13 



ley until ihcy struck the Cumberland Gap and Morristown road, an<l joined 
the rcnment al Morrislown the next day. ,. ," , j „^ 

n th^s affair, the Seventh lost everything in the shape ot books and pa- 
pers, cunp and garrison ecpt-pa^e, all the tram and every thn.g but what was 
nrrird awav h\ the men on their horses. 

apt Rankin having joined his regiment, as before stated, was ordered 
to take two hundred meVand reconnoiter as near Rogersv.Ue as he deemed 

'^^'' Finding no.hin.^ in his way, he entered the place the rebels havmg re- 
treated imnfediatelv^after paroling the sick and wounded, which the Capta,n. 
found in as good condition as circumstances would adirat. 

The reoiment resting at Morristown two -lays, then moved eastward 
throudi Rustelsville and camped near that place a few days, and leaving this 
c'an^tLy went on up the railroad, through Bull's Gap, and on toward 

^'"'SJout this time, Longstreet beseiged KnoxviUe, and ^he re ^-r forces 
under Jones and Williams moved down from •- irginia, compelling us to tall 

^""'^'Fhe command fell back by the way of RogersviUe to Bean's Station an<l 
thence over Clmrh Mountain to Sycamore creek, where the Seventh camped 
a few days, d<nng picket duty on the Clinch river and all the roads leading 

eastward. . 

We lost several men on ptcket at Chnch rivei. . , ,- , , 

Whi^^ tat'ned at this p'lace, Serg'ts. Little and Davis earned dispatch- 
es through the rebel lines to General Burnside. m knoxville, at different 

*''''' From this the Seventh went to Taswell, remained there a few days and 
moved om on the^ Knoxville and Cumberland Gap road, crossing Clinch 

''''"'lil''f^^f^^^^^^ raised at Knoxville, and the rebels moving up the 

railroad eastt^Jd, our cavalry was engaged in annoying their flanks, up to 

''"'"Oif l^rmorning of the x.th of Dec, X.O3, the Seventh O. V. C. and the 
Ninth Michigan Cavalry, with one section of artillery under command or 
Scaard moved in the direction of Morristown, and when withm one 
and halt mUes of that town we met the enemy, and after some skirmishing, 
'he Sev n"h was dismounted and thrown forward to engage them, who were 
strongly posted on a wooded hill, with art.Uery <-ommanding the approach^ 

Ifter an engagement with them, which lasted nearly an hour, our hnes 
moved forward |rldually through open fields until wuhin one hundred anu 

'^'' ^retwlnk:'the Ninth Michigan Cavalry was moved down a ravii.e and 
around a hill out of sight of the enemy, attacking them on their flank a 
rir compelling them ^o scatter m great confusion, leaving their dead and 

wounded in our hands. 

Our command passed on, driving the rebels beyond the town. 

The eJ^my lost heavily in killed and wounded, and among them c, 

Lieut. Colonel, . . • 



14 



Our loss was one man killed; Sergt. Newport, of Co. H, Seventh rem- 
ment, with several wounded. ' ^^'''^''"^" ^^S^ 

p. iP^ no^. being quite dark and no support near, the command fell back to 
lieall s btation. 

On the morning of the 14th, Col. Garrard's brigade again advanced on 
Mornstown but findmg no enemy there, moved ou%oward Russelsville a 
few miles, drove in the pickets and moved forward, and when near Russel- 
ville, found a large force of the enemy drawn in line awaiting our approach 

1 he Second and Seventh O. V. C. were at once ordered forward to at- 
tack them, the Ninth Michigan being held in reserve. 

_ We fought them till near dark, and faihng to accomplish anythina ^uid 
losing several killed and wounded fell back to Beall's Station 

T.ti ^" *i''l'i?^'''i 'r ^°"^'^^ Long-street's force at Bean's Station, also on the 
17th, and at Rutledge on the i8th. 

Our troops falling back all the time toward Knoxville, the cavalry doina 
the fighting, losing several men killed, wounded and captured 

We fell back to Stone Mills, camping there a few days. 

Here the regiment was paid by Major McDowell 

Leavmg this point, the command crossed the Holston river, struck the 
railroad at New Market, and from there went south to Dandr;d' eon e 
irench Broad river. '^ 

.. O" the 24th, we had a .spirited engagement with the enemy and was 
arcT.ti'red ' '''''''''^ ^''' ^''''''' ^''''"^ °"' '"^'" ^'^^'^ ^""^ ^^"^'- 

_ On the 27th, we moved up the railroad to Mossy creek, and from this 
period up to the 24th of January, had continual fighting and skirmi.shinu- 

driving the enemy a few miles toward Morristown and in turn bein- driv<.Mi 
back by them. =■ 

On the morning of the 14th of January we moved again to Dandridae 
and on the i6th moved out on the Morristown road, having sharp skirmish' 
mg, losing near 50 men out of the Brigade. Fell back again to Dandrid-e 

Un the lollowmg day a general engagement took place, which lasted 
trom nine o clock a. m. until late in the night. 

From causes unknown to the writer, (who had charge of the advance 
posts), at 12 o'clock at night the 7th which was on the front line received 
orders to commence faUiiig back in small detachments, when a retrograde 
movement commenced, in which retreat our forces lo.st several hun* 



principally infantry, of which we had a large force which seemed to have 
been there for some other purpose than fighting, as they were never brou-ht 
into action. " 

We crossed the Holston river and continued our retreat to Knovville th- 
enemy following to within a few miles of the city. 

From here we crossed the river moving south-west through Seviersville 
and on up the south side of French Broad river, capturing two pieces of ar- 
tillery at Fair Garden, when we fell back through Mearsand Tuchalechv 
cove, to Little river, where we camped near one week, during which time a 
detachment of the brigade were sent into North Carolina to cap- are Thoma,' 



15 



Legion, which was made up mostly of Indians, (Thomas being formerly an 

^""^^ The^^pedition was successful, they brought back 50 prisoners, but not 
without heavy loss on our own side. , , , , -mt 

In the meantime one battallion of the 7th was sent back through Mears to 
Tuchlechy to create a diversion and hold the Gap while the expeduion was 

^"'^ O^r^'camp was then moved to MaryviUe where we remained a few days 

scouting; and skirmishing conti^iually. . „ ^ , 

From here we moved back to KnOKviUe, makmg scouts occasionally on 

the south side of the river toward MaryviUe and on the north side as tar as 

'''''tS-enl'nmg here about ten days the regiment moved out to Buffalo 
creek a distance of forty miles. 

\s we had to subsist exclusively off of the country for forage and provisions 
for men and the horses, and the supply becoming exhausted our ho.ses were 
reduced to skeletons and were no longer able to do duty. 

Fifty of the strongest horses were selected from each Regiment accom- 
panied bv Col. Garrard and moved east as far as Russelville, where they re- 
mained tWo weeks scouting and skirmishing continually, having in some 
instances hand to hand engagements. 

In the meanwhile the regiment returned to the vicinity of Knoxville and 
from there went out Clinch river to Wallace's road, remaimng there a 
few days it returned to Knoxville, being joined by the 50 men above men- 
tioned 

Weleft on the 24th of March, 1864. .. . „ ^ ,^^ 

It is conceded by all parties that the campaign in East Tennessee, under 
Gen Burnside was the hardest campaign that has been experienced since the 
commencement of this great struggle for the perpetuity ot our nation. 

'Hie regiment reached Pans, Ky., April the 5th, camping in that vicinity a 
few days, and then moving to Nicholasville where the work ot refuting was 

commenced. . , • 1 ,. 4. 

Miior Gen. Stoneman commanding the cavalry in this department. 

No'hin- of interest occurred here except that of sending companies into 
different counties to protect the Provost Marshals, while they were enrolling 

the "^S^°^^^^-^j^^ ^^^j^ of June it was ascertained that John Morgan was moving 
toward Lexington. Gen. Stoneman having started with two brigades two 
weeks previous to Georgia, Col. Garrard's brigade was all that were lett in that 

immediate vicinity. , . , • 

On the loth Col Garrard moved his command to Lexington reaching 
there a few hours after Morgan had left, who had entered the place in tlie 
morning, robbed the banks and many of the stores of their valuables betore 

'' Aaei^-esting a few hours we continued our march to Paris reaching there 
about daylight the follov/ing morning. 

Here 2O0 men were sent out under Capt. Rankin to make a reconois- 
ance toward Georgetown, after moving in that direction about 16 miles, he 



i6 



met a part of Morgan's command, routed and drove them two miles in the 
direction of Cynthiana, returned and reported the same to Gen. Burbridge. 

That night Gen. Burbridge moved for Cynthiana, Col. Garrard's 'brig- 
ade being in the rear. " 
At day-light skirmishing commenced a mile or two from that place. 
Gen, Burbridge soon liad his whole force engaging the rebels. 
Col. Garrard's brigade composed of the yth O. V. C, 9th Mich. V. C 
and one battalhon of the 15th Kentucky cavalry^ were formed in columns of 
battallions m the rear of the lines, being held in reserve. 

The fighting now became general, and the center of the line began to wav- 
er, seeing this Col. Garrard ordered the 9th Mich, to move around Burbridge's 
right flank and charge the enemy, mounted. The battallion of Kentucky 
cavalry was dismounted and formed on the extreme left of our line. The 7th 
O. V. C. was ordered to move around our left flank and charge the enemy, 
mounted. 

The fences were quickly thrown down and the.yth had moved scarcely 
600 yards, when they were met by Humphrey Marshal's brigade, making a 
flank movement on the left; of our line and in the rear, when agallant charge 
was made by Co. H, commanded by Capt. Hall, resulting in the capture of 
thirty-six rebels. 

A second charge was made immediately by the First battallion, -under 
Capt. Greene with a similar result, but was exposed to a heavy fire from be- 
hind a,stone fence. Immediately after this a third charge was made under Capt 
Rankin, which was the final rout of the enemy, driving them over a bluiT on 
the Licking river, to where they had left their horses.. Mounting their horses 
they moved down the rail road through Cynthiana, hotly pursued by our 
troops, driving them through the streets and into the river, kilHng, wounding 
and drowning many. 

In this atair our loss did not exceed fifty in killed and wounded. Among 
the killed was Lt. McKnight, a brave and gallant officer. 

The enemy's loss in killed, wouixied and prisoners, was near seven hun- 
dred. Many of their wounded bore marks of the saber. During the fight 
there were many daring deeds of personal bravery, which deserves personal 
mention. 

Col. Garrard was in the thickest of the fight, often in advance of the lines 
giving personal direction during the fight. Lt. Col. Minor was also on hand 
doing his part nobly. 

Capt. Allen, of Col. Garrard's staff, and Adj't Mitchell, both deserve 
mention for coolness and bravery. 

Capt. Allen, personally distinguished himself, for which he received the 
rank Brevet Lt. Col. at the clost- of the war. 

Capt. Rankin deserves particular mention for entering the rebel column 
and cutting off forty-seven men in the toUowing manner: 

Upon reaching the bluff and seeing the rel)els mounting their horses and 
moving down the railroad, wheeled his horse to the right, passed through a 
gate, then to the left down a lane near the railroad ordering his men to fol- 
low; Finding himself alone he halted for a few moments to wait for his men, 
and on seeing there was some im])ediment in the way of the rebels caused by 



17 



a cattle dyke, which they were compelled to pass over or swim the Licking 
river he drew his saber and entered the columns cutting it in two, using his 
saber ri-^ht and left as he passed up the track to the dyke, the enemy passing 
on either side, and theiebv he cut off and held all that had yet to cross the 
dyke, which proved to be forty-seven in number together with their horses. 
' They did not however throw down their arms and surrender until tour or 
five men came to the Captain's assistance. 

The above facts are verified by the affidavits of three reliable men. 

Arrangements being made to take them to the rear, the Captain followed 
on after the flvinc; enemv— and neiring the town, crossed the Licking 
bridge and passing down about six hundred yards on the opposite side of the 

river. , , • , , i • u 

Five rebels ran out of town, and taking retuge behind a shop which 
stood on the bank of the river On seeing them the Captain drew his revol- 
ver and ordered them dismount and throw down their arms, which they did. 
He then ordered them to the water's edge and to sit down, which they 
also obeyed, where he guarded them .until one of our men, who had been 
takins? prisoners to the" rear came up when the Captain ordered him to take 
them^to the rear. (This making fifty-two men.) How are you "southern 
chivalry," with your '"five to one." 

This statement is also verified by the affidavit of James Thomas, at pres- 
ent of Caldwell, Kansas, a justice of the peace. 

There are others who are willing to file their affidavit to the above 
statements but as the mouth of two witnesses establish one point further proof 
is not deemed necessary, nor would I even asked this were it not for the 
fact that there are always a few officers and men just bold enough to follow 
far enough in the rear to be out of harm's way, and to gather up trophies on 
the battle-field; which had been passed over by the actual fighting men of the 
command, who would not stop to gather trophies so long as ihey could deal a 
blow on the enemy. 

They are first to criticize the acts of those who are m the first ranks; and 
raise the question. • -where are your trophies?" There is not a true soldier m 
our army but will bear me out in my statement. 

The enemy were here scattered; some going out through Owen county, 
while Morgan himself took the pike toward the Ohio river through ClaysviUe, 
crossing the Maysville and Lexington pike at Mayshck, and on through Mt. 
Sterling. Col Garrard's brigade following in his trail picking up stragglers 
until we lost him in the mountains of eastern Kentucky in his retreat to 

Pound Gap. 

Thence we returned by way of Lexington to Nicholasville where we 
camped for a short time recuperating our men and horses. 

Moving to Camp Nelson, we were paid on the 3rd of July, to June 30th 
1864. 

On the following morning, July 4th, we set out on our long march to 
Atlanta, Ga., crossing the Tennessee river at Kingston, passing through 
Athens, Cleveland and all the towms between that place and Atlanta, reach- 
ing the works around that place July 24th, and reporting to Gen. Stoneman 
to whose command we then belonged. 



i8 



We were ordered to join him on his expedition to Macon, Ga., which 
expedition was to move at 9 o'clock on the following mornmg, 

Lt. Col. Minor, on his return to the regiment after dark, missed his way 
and did not join us until about 12 o'clock, thereby the regiment was saved 
the dishonor of being made prisoner before Macon, oii Gen. Stoneman's 
surrender. Company D, however, being his escort, was surrendered with 
him. 

The regiment was immediately put on picket on the left flank of our 
army. 

On the 26th, Col. Garrard's brigade was dismounted and put in th>. 
trenches, the Seventh occupying the extreme left of our army, which position^' 
they held while the terrible engagement of that day took place. 

This being the same ground that was so desperately fought over during 
the 22nd,— the day the gallant McPherson fell. 

The next day, we were moved to the right, the Seventh being on the 
extreme right during the fierce fight of the 28th,— the rebels making seven 
different bayonet charges, and were repulsed each time, by Gen. ]-foward's 
command. 

When the grand flank movement commenced on the right, which ulti- 
mately gave us possession of Atlanta, Col. Garrard's brigade bore a con- 
spicuous part, for there was scarcely a position gained that was not first gam- 
ed by Col. Garrard's cavalry, and in many instances we fought the enemy in 
front, until the infantry came up and intrenched themselves in our rear. 

This being done, they would send a brigade to relieve us, and we would 
be placed further out on the flank. 

On the first of September, near Rough and Ready Station, which is 
south of Atlanta, on the road leading to Macon, Capt. Rankin commandmg 
a battalion ot the Seventh, was the first to find the works evacuated at this 
point. 

On reporting the same to Gen. Thomas, he was ordered to return and go 
through the works and gain a high ridge road, about a mile and a half beyond 
the intrenchments, and on gaining the road, to take the end leading toward 
Atlanta and go as far as he deemed practicable. 

On returning to the works, he found it occupied by Gen. Cooper's di- 
vision of infantry, with a line of skirmishers in front skirmishing with the 
enemy. 

Upon reaching this line, the Captain dismounted his battalion, leaving 
number four to hold horses, deployed as skirmishers and moved them di- 
rectly through the infantry lines, through woods to fields and fields to woods 
until they gained the road above mentioned. 

This being done, the horses were ordered to be brought forward. The 
infantry also came forward and moved along the road leading to the Station, 
which was less than one mile off. 

Upon the arrival of the horses, the battalion mounted and moved to- 
ward Atlanta. 

After proceeding a mile and a half they received a volley from the ene- 
my, secreted in the woods, whereupon a fight took place which lasted till 
dark, resulting in our driving the enemy about a mile and a half further, af- 



^9 



' T^TT^ r^n.>f^in rPtnrned to his picket post which he had occupied the 
irgiu'ptlol'arrr™:^ "'the' M^.L, Jonesbo..o, Shea, c.eeW a„d 

^'""ulalua was 'evacuated the following day, and a general engagement took 
place at J mtsboro, twenty miles sottth of Atlanta, resnittng ut a heavy lo.. to 

"""'lt''tte night, the enemy fell back, the cavalr, followed to Lovejoj^-s 
Station sTk mUe further soitth, betng on the left of our arttty occupying he 
McDonald and Fayetteville road, nine miles south-east of Jonesboro. We 
rema.r"ed at this p'.." on ptcke't one week, where we saw hghtmg more or 

""'Sm^Uris point, we moved b.ack and went into camp near Decatur, 

^'':-'*'"= ., / ' f ^iijnta on the railroad leading to Augusta. 
"'"Du\mg tr o^n^^il; InGeorgta, »e subs.sted chiefly upon the countos 
which was^athered in °by foraging parties, detached lor that purpose, and 

"""ifa^rratdiinL'sonfelfthe parties would be skirmishing with the 
pnemv while the remainder would be gathering forage. 

Sk'mi^nng, while in Georgia, was more of an every day business than 

'''^'' When General Hood set his flank machine in operation and was follmv- 
ed bv a Ponio^i of General Sherman's command, the Seventh remained at 
Atlanta with t°.e .3rd corps, and wasengagedin those mammoth foraging ex- 
neditions of which you have read the newspaper accounts. a,,,,,.. 

^ We continued nth.s business until Gen. Sherman returned to Atlanta 
and commenced his "masterly retreat" on R-h--^',;- Savanna Ga 
Charleston and Columbia, S. C, when we turned over our horses and arms 
S ct^te the mounting and arming ot Gen. Kilpatnc s cavalry, and r.- 

-'i^^^^^r^^'i:: ^ ^^:'c^i^andt:^o ?S^ments, the 

'-'t^ZiS^^^I^^^'^^^^y col. Garrard, tV. Seventh exj^- 
ed It having^been assigned to Gen. Kirkpatnck's command prior to our lea^- 
ina \tHnta and accompanied him on the Sherman expedition. 
■ " ° l; Col Minoi wai put m command of a dismounted cavalry camp near 
Nashvllie and Capt. Rankin in command of the regiment, by order ot Gen. 

''''^i:^:^:^':^^^.^^^^^ under the superinten- 

^-^0::^:Sni^^!:^ m;[T:l^St^^r^e lea-hand road to 
Haid^^o^'s iol-d, on Duck' river, to support Col Capron, and on reach- 
ing there, found him engaging the enemy at the t^rd. 

The Seventh was formed in columns ot squadrons in the rear ot two 

^"^'Company A, Captain Kettennan, was sent to watch a crossing a Httle 

down wavs the river from where we were. ^f three miles on the 

Companies B and C were ordered to make a scout of three miles on 
road leading to Columbia, under Lieuts. Burton and Shuler. 



Company E was ordered to make a scout up the river five miles under 
Liieut. broie. 

Soon after this, the brigade train was ordered to move out on the road 
leadnig to Frankhn, with a guard of one company. 

The train had not more than straightened on the road, when Compa- 
nies B and C found a strong force of the enemy in their front 

Company E was cut off, the enemy having got between it and the com- 
mand, and about the same time the head of the wagon train was attacked 
which created a stampede in the train. 

Capt. Rankin wheeled two companies into position and moved out to 
meet the enemy, ordering Adj't. Mitchell to bring out the remainder as soon 
as the wagon train could be got into our rear. 

_ A volley was poured into the enemy by the two companies already in posi- 
tion and a saber charge was immediately made, the remainder of the re^i- 
"'^i'V''?'?'",^" '"*° position in time, thereby driving the enemy from the road 
and held them in check until the train and the brigade that was fightino- at 
the river could be got out. ~ 

This fighting continued until 9 o'clock, P. M., when Col. Garrard, who 
had joined us, ordered the command to fall back. 

In this affair the timely action of the Seventh saved the entire bri^'-rade 
and train from capture, but with the loss of near one hundred men kitled 
wounded and captured, including Capt. Ketterman, and the whole of Co A ' 
also our regimental colors, for which the enemy had no credit, as it was cap- 
tured m the following manner: It being quite dark and everything having 
passed the road, the Colonel wished to fall back and asked some one to 4 
and notify Capt. Rankin, who was a short distance off, of his movement 

rhe Color Serg't tendered his services and immediately started on his 
mission. 

The fighting men at this point were not more than thirty yards apart 
and the Serg't rode directly into the rebel lines and was captured. 

The Captain brought off his command and fell back, about six miles 
across Flat creek, leaving our dead and wounded on the field. 
^ In this fight, much honor and credit are due to the officers and men of 
tne Seventh for the bold manner in which they struck the enemy. It was this 
that gave us success, for we were far. inferior in point of numbers. 

Private John Turner of Co. E, deserves especial mention in this, that 
he was bearing the guidon of his company, and while running the guantlet of 
the enemy was thrown from his horse, but held fast to his colors and joined 
his command, after remaining six days days in the enemy's lines, bringing 
his colors with him. » & t> 

On the following day, the most desperate engagement perhaps of the 
war, all things considering, of Franklin took place. 

The Seventh O. V. C. occupied the left flank of the 23rd A. C, as they 
faced the enemy. 

We continued our operations on the flank of Gen. Thomas' army until it 
reached the fortifications around Nashville. 

About the ist of December, the regiment crossed the Cumberland river 
and was engaged in guarding ferries below Nashville, patroling the country as 



far as Harpeth Shoals, and pressing in horses until the 13th, when we moved 
to Edgofield opposite Nashville. 

Here the cavalry command was reorganized. 

The Seventh was assigned to the First Brigade, Sixth Division, Brig- 
Gen. Johnson, commanding. Col. Garrard having been returned to his 
command of the Seventh, and Col. Harrison, of Indiana, commanding the 
brigade. 

On the 14th, all the cavalry was brought from the north to the south side 
of the Cumberland river, and on the following morning, the 15th, at an early 
hour, everything was in motion. 

Our division occupied the extreme right of our army. 

As soon as the fug was sufficiently cleared away we marched through 
our breastworks, the Seventh being placed in the reserve 

Soon fighting commenced in the front along the rive below the city. (I 
should have mentioned that the Sixth Div. had but one brigade in it moun- 
ted and that was the First.) 

The rebels were soon driven from their first line of works and contested 
every inch of ground with artillery and musketry, but they were steadily 
driven back by the two regiments in front of the Seventh. 

Up to this time the Seventh had not been engaged. 

At two o'clock, P. M. , the Seventh was ordered forward and formed on 
the right of the road in a cornfield, near the^river, and moved forward in line 
of battle. 

In this field the ground was very, wet and soft and there were many 
ditches several feet deep, which made it impossible to preserve a correct line, 
but we did the best we could under the circumstances, and Dy the time we 
reached the woodland the enemy were in full retreat down the pike. 

On seeing this. Col. Garrard ordered a charge by squadrons or compa- 
nies in columns of fours, and ordered Captain Rankin's battalion tu charge 
down the pike and out to the enemy's left. 

A universal shout went up from the regiment and at them they went, 
the woods being open and favorable for a charge. 

This chase was for one and a half miles, and to within one hundred and 
fifty yards of a battery which opened on us and compelled us to fall back 
near one-fourth of a mile. 

The regiment was soon formed and commenced skirmishing with the 
Johnnies. 

Col. Garrard not being satisfied with anything short of the battery which 
had caused us such trouble, (it being the battery that had blockaded the 
Cumberland river and captured our transports, among them the Prima 
Donna, commanded by Capt. Joe. Scott, formerly of Ripley, and had with- 
stoou the combined efforts of our gun-boats and iron-clads to dislodge them,) 
the order to have the regiment formed in readiness to make the charge. 

The order was first given to Captain Rankin to form his battalion on 
the slope of a hill in front of the battery, at a distance of about six hundred 
yards. 

Co. E, Lt. Srofe, on the right, near the pike; then Co. F, Lt. Boggs, 
Co. B, Lt. Burton, Co. C, Lt. Archer, and Co. A, Lt. Derstine. 



These companies were formed in fair musket range, and their battery 
was cutting the timber all around us, yet the men stood firm and unflmching. 

The order of charge was by squadrons in columns of fours. 

This battalhon was to charge the center and to move first, Capt. Eylar 
was to charge down the pike with two companies, I and M, Capt. Hall was 
to cross the creek at its mouth and charge on the right with three companies, 
H, K and L. 

Everything being in readiness, the word "forward!" was given. 

The center battalion moved first at a walk then at a trot. 

By this time the storm of leaden hail from musketry and iron missiles 
from the battery began to come thick and fast about us, 

A. shout went up and off the boys went at full speed through the fences, 
down steep banks and across the creek, over a narrow ridge and another 
creek and up to within fifty yards of the battery, when suddently a large 
force of the rebel infantry raised from behind a barricade of rails and poured 
a deadly fire into our columns. 

Captain Eylar was repulsed on the bridge, and Capt. Hall failed to cross 
the creek at its mouth, therefore Captain Rankin was compelled to fall back 
to his former position. 

We dismounted and went at them again on foot. Their musketry was 
too high, their grape and cannister too low, creating however, considerable 
mortality among the horses. 

Capt. Rankin was sent to signal the gunboats to come down, which they 
did. 

Our own battery, the 4th U. S., opened on them with twelve pounders 
and compelled them to leave their jjosition, the gunboats sending a few shots 
up the ravine after them, added speed to their flight. 

They left four pieces of artillery in the woods, which we have the credit 
of capturing. 

On the morning of the i6th, at 4 o'clock, everything was in readiness 
for a forward move. 

We continued our pursuit on the Charlotte pike for a few miles to where 
the enemy had camped. At this point the enemy had left the pike and took 
a dirt road. 

We followed this road about seven miles, and found several wagons and 
one piece of artillery stuck in the mud. 

Here a halt was made, and Captain Rankin was ordered with his battal- 
ion to move across the country, through the fields or otherwise and endeav- 
or to reach the Harding pike. This being accomplished, the Captain sent 
the following dispatch to Col. Garrard: 

"Colonel — I hold the Harding pike at the brick church and where the 
Franklin road crosses the said pike. Gen. Chalmer's division passed this 
point, taking the Franklin road, this A. M. They left some wagons here. 
As soon as the command could be brought up, our pursuit was continued, 
the Fifth Iowa Cavalry being in the advance. Skirmishing soon commenced 
but nothing of importance occurred on this day's march, except taking a few 
prisoners, twelve being the largest number at any one time." 



23 



°". The ,H,rs.m was vigorously prosecuted, so much so ^a^ °f;J'- , 7, ,"; 

ri:::^'.::X r™shi.irs'aSia,°;r™^rer ^^<> it >= a., uu.. 

S , ossTbiCto hold ,heColouen,ack when a fight ,s m progress. 

--^^^iii;i^r^"d^l^/t;h::^!::^r»o. to .he r,ht 

-^ S^reL'f wf d"s:o::;ed!taw„ up m three Hues of battle but 
manifesting no dTsposition to nght save by art.llery wh.ch threw a few shells 



at us. 



The enemy seeing our advance taking position in so close pro^mity to 

''""cot G\r™?oTser™hirmo;rnt°of 1. enenry ordered a charge 

Capt Ratrk,,?" baltalion was on the extreme right and Company E on 

•''"^«rfo*Lc~- The order was given to forward, and as soon as 
"^ "S°r coZ^s^PsTd ;;r;;:4;"thrpTinci;i"i?«f while Chers passed 

"°" At'tour hundred yards distant from their works, the enemy had planted 

:.^---.°^^^^^ 

"""Tirwnrk'were also thrown up by our men on the retreat from Colum- 
bia but were not so formidable as the first near the town. 

' In Uiis position we fought the enemy more than one hour w.thou. rc- 

''"'Z S4' w:rrtL^mov"rrentroTthe ..h and so far were they in .advance 
of oufown br gade that our battery moved to the point first held by ^rapta'" 

^^^sSm:^^r;Sr;;;^^t?=o^=^'^efs^ 

out to watch and guard agai'nst any moventents of the enemy to flank o„, 

''"'"■rhe firino was kept up until Captain Rankin's battalion had to be re- 
moved and hid s'arce'ly been pUa.ei in position «" the le t of *e p.ke when 
a battery belonging to Gen. Hatch's division opened on us from a lort 

"'^ ITrhirr'^'Garrard'^rdered the regiment to form i-lo- colunm of 
squadrons in a low piece of ground to get out of their range bu the first be 
in--, on very high ground, our position was a very hazardous one- 

° Wc were quickly deployed into line, took up our formei position be- 
hind our works and again engaged the enemy. 



24 



A fire was kept up by our battery until a courier could be sent to stop it. 

Thus did the 7th stand for more than an hour, firm and unshaken, with 
the enemy's battery playing on their front at four hundred yards distant, and 
two of our own playing on their rear. 

By this time, Gen. Hatch's Division moved up and flanked the Johnnies 
on our left and they lit out again, losing their artillery and many prisoners. 

Here Col. Harrison commanding our brigade, congratulated Colonel 
Garrard on the success of the 7th, and remarked, "you have done enough 
for one day, I will throw the 5th Iowa in advance and you can fall in the 
reserve." 

We moved out two miles and went into camp on a road to the right of 
the Columbia road. 

The 5th Iowa was sent on further with orders to go across the country to 
intercept the enemy and if possible to capture their battery, while Hatch's Di- 
vision pressed their rear. 

A stand was made by the enemy between 6 and 7 o'clock p. m., in 
which they lost one thousand prisoners besides their killed and wounded and 
four pieces of artillery. Thus ended the third day's operation. 

On the 17th of December nothing of interest occurred except the usual 
amount of skirmishing and gathering in of stragglers from a retreating army 
until the 25th of December, (Christmas day), our brigade had the advance 
and the 5th Iowa the advance of the brigade. 

Skirmishing commenced but we drove the rebels back, and through 
Pulaski. 

Just beyond the place is a large stream called Richland creek, spanned 
by a large covered bridge. 

A charge was made by a portion of the 5th Iowa, but they were repulsed. 

The enemy ran six pieces of artillery into the creek without even spiking 
them. They also run three pieces into Duck river. They fired the bridge 
in several places. 

Capt. Rankin was ordered to move forward with his battalion and if 
possible put the fire out. 

The battallion set out at a brisk trot until near the bridge when they dis- 
mounted and made a rush for it, gathering from the houses along the road 
tubs, buckets, pans and everything else available, for carrying and throwing 
water on the flames, which had already penetrated to the roof in several ])lacts 

By the timely arrival of this battalion the bridge was saved with but little 
damage except to the roof. 

In passing through the town we found several places where amunition 
had been piled and burnt. 

On the railroad near the bridge were several cars laden with amunition, 
and loaded muskets, all surrounded by fire, and the discharge of these mus- 
kets was a matter of considerable annoyance to our men while working at the 
bridge. 

Our advance soon crossed to the opposite side of the stream, even before 
the flames were extinguished. ' 

Captain Rankin was lett to complete the work. 



25 



'I'he enemy had made a halt a shori distance beyond and in plain view 
of .the bridge seeing that they had been foiled in their attempt to burn the 
bridge, now commenced firing their amunition in heaps all along their line 
and their main column began to move leaving a few skirmishers in the rear, 
but not however, without receiving a few shots from t'e 4th regular battery 
whi( h was attached to our brigade. 

The fire being put out on the bridge and every thing being in readiness, 
we moved on, the 5th Iowa being deployed as skirmishers. 

They soon struck the enemy's rear driving them before them. 

A mile further we came to two abandoned wagons loaded with amuni- 
tion. 

We passed to the right. of them and when opposite the explosion took 
place and thousands of blue blazes could be seen shooting heavenward. It 
was a magnificent'sight. A few hundred yards further on were two wagons 
of the same kind and the saifie scene occurred. 

Now the country became mountainous and the valleys were reduced to 
narrow passes between hills, and the enemy became more stubborn and 
resentful taking possession of every available position to plant their 
batteries, and impede our progress, and in short when they reached the bro- 
ken country the did not drive worth a cent. 

But by moving through the woods, thickets and underbrush and over 
the hills apd rocks, and tearing our clothes almost at every step we succeed- 
ed in driving them about six miles beyond Pulaski. 

At this point they made a bold stand upon a high hill, and behind barri- 
cades of logs and rails. 

Some time was spent in skirmishing and getting the brigade into posi- 
tion. The 7th was on the right and not finding anything formidable in our 
front we mounted and moved by file down a very steep hill. On the opposite 
side ot the valley, two-thirds of the way up met a few skirmishers. 

The regiment was then thrown into columns of squadrons, preparatory to 
fighting on foot. 

Capt. Rankin's battalion being in advance moved out by the right and 
at once engaged the enemy's skimishers which were not more than thirty 
yards in advance of his line, and finding that the enemy's line extended far 
beyond his right, reported the same to Col. Garrard. 

Here the Col. ordered him to take company F in order to extend his line 
further out. 

This company had hardly been put in position when our line gave way 
on the left and center and a grand rush was made by the enemy on our right 
causing us to drop back. Now the driving was all on the other side. 

We had found out for the first time that our line was not more than thirty 
yards from their main line, and our led horses two hundred and fifty yards 
from their battery which had all been concealed up to this time. This bat- 
tery opened fire cutting the timber over our horses and at the same time a 
charge was made upon us. 

The enemy proved to be eight brigades of infantry as we learned from 
a prisoner who was a little more daring than his comrades and followed a lit- 



26 



tie too close on our retreating line. Upon noticing him, one of the boys 
'bout faced and took the chap in. 

He also said that Forrest's cavalry had refused to fight any more and 
these brigades of infantry were ordered to hold us until they could get their 
trains out of our reach. 

We fell back about four hundred yards and reformed. 

In this affair, I am most happy to state we did not lose a single man. 
Our losses in horses was twenty-eight. 

The rebels captured the 4th U. S. battery which belonged to our brigade. 

This battery was situated on our left about a mile and supported by the 
4th U. S. cavalry. 

After the capture of our artillery the enemy at once commenced their 
retreat, as was ascertained by throwing forward Hatch's Division, leaving 
their dead and wounded on the field. 

This finished Christmas day's work, a Christmas long to be remembered 
by the 7 th O. V. C. 

This was the last sight our brigade got of the rebels, except a few 
wounded ones lying along the road, and a few stragglers picked up, but a 
severe fight occurred at Sugar creek on the 26th between our advance and 
their rear. 

We followed the enemy to near Florence where they crossed the Ten- 
nessee river. 

After remaining two days in camp we marched to Mooresville with the 
Huntsville and Stevenson railroad sixteen miles distant, where we rested from 
our labors ten days, and then marched to Gravelly Springs, Ala., reaching 
there January 14th, 1865. 

Here the 7th was ordered to build winter quarters and stabling lor their 
horses. This was something new for the 7th being the first time in her histo- 
ry that she went into winter quarters. 

Here we remained for some time. By order of Gen. Wilson we changed 
our drill from the single to the double rank formation, and while this was go- 
ing on a refitting and reorganization was perfected. 

In this organization the 7th was placed in the 2nd Brgade 4th Div. C. C. 
M. D. M. Gen. Upton commanding Division; Gen. Alexander the Brigade, 

Here we remained until about the zoth of March. Capt. Rankin was 
placed in command of the dismounted men of his regiment, then of his bri- 
gade, and subsequently of the division, numbering over five hundred men, 
and led out thirty six hours ia advance, with the wagon train. 

On the morning of March 22nd, the whole column was in motion, 
crossed the Tennessee river and moved southward through the Tuscumbia 
Valley and then into the mountain regions of Alabama. We met with no 
opposition until about the 26th, when we were met by Rhoddy's Cavalry, 
which did not stay long enough to give us a second shot, but lit out at the 
sound of the fiist gun, leaving one dead. 

We met and defeated the enemy at Monticelo, capturing one hundred 
prisoners. 

The next day, we routed the combined forces of Forest, Buford and 
Rhoddy, in their chosen position at Ebenezer church, capturing two guns, 



27 

three hundred prisoners, and many killed and wounded. Our loss was 4.1. 
killed and 150 wounded. 

\Ve followed on, reaching Selma late in the afternoon. Around Selma 
was an intrenchment reaching from the Alabama river above the city, to the 
river below, with ])alisades of ])ine timber set in the ground and sharp at the 
upper end. The approach to Selma was through open ground with no pro- 
tection whatever to our men. 

The plan of attack was as follows: 

The First Brigade, Fourth Division, composed of the 2nd, 3rd and 4t!i 
Iowa, was put in position on the left of the road, and wliat is known as 
the Wilder Brigade, was placed on the right of the road. The Second Bri- 
gade, Fourth Division, composed of the ist an;l 7th O. V. C. and the 5th 
Iowa V. C. were retained, mounted in columns, on the road, and when the 
two fir.it mentioned brigades got fairly engaged in a hand to hand encounter 
within the enemy's parapets, the Second Brigade charged down the road 
mounted and into their works, killing and wounding over four hundred and 
capturing eleven hundred ])risoners, five battle flags and thirteen pieces of 
artillery. 

The 7th followed the flying enemy several miles bejond the city and in 
the darkness of the night, captured a battery, complete, including caseons, 
horses and harness. 

Selma was taken within one hour from the time our lines were formed. 
In this short s|)ace of time, one of the most important places in Confederacy 
fell, it bemg situated in the midst of their iron regions, was of itself a solid 
machine shop, where a large portion of their ordnance was made, together 
with their niter works. Some of the most formidalile iron works on the 
contment were in this region, which also fell into our hands and were de- 
stroyed. 

We remained at Selma eight days, during which time v.-e erected scaffold- 
ing out into the Alabama ri\er and ran their unfinished ordnance from their 
works and dumped them into the river until they lay in heaps above the 
water. 

During our stay here, we sent a flag of truce to Forrest, to know if he 
would honor or parole, and received word that he would if we could hold 
them. Havmg faith in our ability to do so, and at the expiration of eight 
days, we applied the torch to all Confederate property, and crossed the 
river on pontoons, taking the prisoners with us, we marched on to Mont- 
gomery, the capital of the State. On reaching there, they surrendered with- 
out a fight, after they had burnt a large amount of cotton. 

Here the stars and bars that waved over the first rebel Congress that ever 
assembled on this Continent, meekly bowed its head at the first sight of a 
Federal soldier with arms in his possession, without even waiting for a salute, 
and up went the ''old flag of the Union," which in its stead, waved triumph- 
antly over the dome of the house where Jeff Davis called together his first 
Congress, amid the shouts and songs of the brave men who so i)roudly bore 
it there. 

After remaining here three drys, we took up our line of march for 



aS 



Columbus, Ga. The 7th going by the way of Andersonville for the purpose 
of releasing our prisoners held there. When within four miles of the place, 
they were met by a flag of truce, evidently to gain time. This was not 
recognized by the 7th, who charged the place, but only in time to see the 
train moving out with the mass of skeletons caused by starvation. Some 
eighty-four of our men which beggered all description, not being able to be 
removed, were left in the prison pen. 

The 7th joined the comiiiand in time to participate |in the fight at Co- 
lumbus, which was reached about the middle of the afternoon, when ist 
O. V. C. chaiged a bridge which had previously been strewed with cotton 
saturated with turpentine, and on reaching the bridge the enemy applied the 
torch and the whole thing was in a blaze, which caused their return, when, 
skirmishing and an artillery duel continued until after dark. 

On the west side of Columbus runs the Chatahucha river, it was spanned 
by the bridges; one was destroyed, as above stated, and the others were de- 
fended by forts, garrisoned by infantry and artillery. 

A portion of the First Brigade, composed of the three Iowa regiments, 
were dismounted for the purpose of storming these forts. 

The Second Brigade was retained, mounted. At 9 o'clock, P. M., a 
move was made. The Iowa men cleared the enemy's works on their third 
assault, when the Second Brigade charged, mounted, over the bridge into 
the city. 

In this, the enemy lost over three hundred killed and wounded, one 
thousand and five hundred prisoners, twenty-four guns, eight battle flags and 
a vast amount of munitions of war. We remained here over the next day, 
and the next morning set fire to all the buildings containing army stores, and 
taking up our march for Macon, Ga., amid the bursting of shell and the ex- 
plosion of amunition, causing the roofs and timbers to ascend heavenward,, 
and the mass of bricks and mortar to fall inward. Caused by the vacuam from 
the explosion from withm. The atmospheric pressure pushed them inward. 

Columbus, Ga., may be set down as the last battle of the war for the 
preservation of the Union. 

We continued our march towards Macon and when within twelve miles 
of that place, we were met by Gen. Howel Cobb, bearing a flag of truce, re- 
questing us to go into camp where we were; that Lee had surrendered, 
Richmond was captured, and that Sherman and Johnson had agreed upon 
an armistice of ninety days. But Gen. Wilson refused to recognize it, and 
told Gen Cobb that he would march on to Macon, and that he, Cobb, 
could fight or surrender. 

We reached Macon, April 21st, 1865, when Cobb surrendered the city 
and his forces without a struggle. 

Here we received a telegram fron% Gen. Grant, to cease hostility. That 
Lee had surrendered, Richmond had fallen, Johnson was- surrounded, with 
Sherman in his rear and Sheridan in front, and would have to surrender or 
be captured. 

We remained at Macon a few days, when we received orders to send 
out scouts in every direction to apprehend Jeff. Davis who was trying to 
make his way into Texas, whereupon our brigade, under Gen. Alexander, 



29 



moved north to Atlanta, Gn. From this ])oint we sent out a scouting part}' 
under Lt. Yoman, of the ist O. V. C, and all disguised in the rebel uniform. 
This party got in company with Davis' escort, at Greenville, South Carolina, 
and while riding together on the road, the rebels suspecting all was not 
right, drew their revolvers and opened fire on our scouts. None of the 7th 
were injured except John Gates, of Co. E, he being shot through the head, 
below the eye, from which he recovered. 

In the meantime, Jeff. Davis was captured by the detachment of the 
First Wisconsin and the Second Michigan and brought to Atlanta, Ga. The 
7th O. V, C. took charge of him and guarded him to Augusta, Ga. From 
here we marched to Chattanooga, Tenn.. from thence to Nashville, and went 
into camp at Edgefield, where our horses and equipments were duly turned 
over, and the last company of the regiment was mustered out July the 4th, 
and paid to the 7th, 1865, when we returned home by tlie way of Louisville, 
Ky., to Cincinnati. 

In writing this history, I have endeavored to do exact justice to all, so 
far as I knew, and if there is any errors in this narrative, it is that of omission, 
having had to write exclusively from memory, and in all probability there 
are omissions. 

While we would not deprive any regiment of her laurals, we believe the 
7th O. V. C, for the services rendered and the number of times she was un- 
der fire, stands second to no regiment from Main to California. 



THE END. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





012 607 986 2 



